IMPLICATIONS OF ANCIENT DNA FOR PHYLOGENETIC STUDIES

The utility of DNA sequence characters from fossil specimens is examin ed from a phylogenetic perspective. Four ways that fossil characters c an alter phylogenetic hypotheses are discussed. Two empirical examples and a third hypothetical example concerning amber-preserved insects a re presented to illustrate these phenomena. Fossil DNA sequences as ch aracters will be affected by the problem of missing data and missing t axa. In general, cladogram accuracy will be more greatly affected by m issing taxa and cladogram resolution will be affected more acutely by missing data. Due to these points, an examination of the importance of the phylogenetic question being addressed, the utility of the fossil DNA sequences and the rarity of the fossil should be considered before damage of a fossil is undertaken.